Nine tons of cocaine seized in Bolivia

La Paz: Bolivia reported its largest ever cocaine takeover in the Oruro department, with a street value of $224 million locally, but potentially almost double in Europe, where the illicit shipment was likely destined.

President Luis Arce of Bolivia turned to social media and declared the 8.8 metric ton cocaine seizure as the country’s largest record, emphasizing the cover-up within wooden flooring materials in a truck. The illicit cargo was believed to be en-route to the Netherlands, where its value could soar to approximately $526 million.

According to the officials, in a coordinated effort involving nine raids, they arrested four alleged drug traffickers, including a Colombian national Del Castillo considered a ‘significant figure’ in the illicit drug trade.

The United Nations reported that Bolivia ranks as the third-largest producer of coca and cocaine globally, following Colombia and Peru.

Bolivia permits the cultivation and commercialization of coca leaves for purposes such as chewing, tea consumption, and religious ceremonies.

To support the legal market, authorities in Bolivia limit coca cultivation to 22,200 hectares (55,000 acres). However, a portion is diverted for illegal cocaine production.